Direct bag insert vacuum packaging appliance

ABSTRACT

A direct insert vacuum packaging appliance is disclosed. The direct insert aspect of such a vacuum packaging appliance allows a vacuum packaging bag to be inserted into the vacuum packaging appliance directly and with ease. According to certain embodiments, the direct insert vacuum packaging appliance includes a vacuum chamber with drip tray and a clamping mechanism adapted for receiving an open end of a vacuum packaging bag for evacuation of gases from the vacuum packaging bag. Such a direct insert vacuum packaging appliance may be lidded or lidless and may vary from implementation to implementation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.60/624,799, filed on Nov. 2, 2004.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention is directed to packaging techniques, and morespecifically to bag insertion aspects of vacuum packaging appliances.

BACKGROUND

Vacuum packaging is a process for removing oxygen and other gases fromcontainers holding food and other products that deteriorate in thepresence gases. For example, food spoilage can occur due to oxidation.Thus, vacuum packaging can extend the life of products that deterioratein the presence of gases by removing nearly all of the gases in a sealedcontainer in which such products are stored.

While vacuum packaging appliances are very useful, they can be awkwardto use. To explain, products that are to be vacuum packaged can bestored using vacuum packaging bags. The open end of the vacuum packagingbag needs to be carefully positioned in a vacuum sealing chamber of thevacuum packaging appliance in order to evacuate gases from the interiorof the packaging bag. The design of the vacuum packaging appliance maybe such that the placement of the packaging bag in the vacuum sealingchamber may involve considerable dexterity and manual adjustment on thepart of the user. For example, the user is often required to hold theopen end of the packaging bag in place over the vacuum chamber whilesimultaneously attempting to position the lid of the vacuum packagingappliance in the closed position without jamming the user's fingers.

In view of the foregoing, a more convenient method is needed forinserting vacuum sealing packaging bags into vacuum packagingappliances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag-insert that can be adapted for usein a vacuum packaging device, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bag-insert that is juxtaposed with asample packaging bag, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bag insert in a closed position withupper flap disposed atop lower flap for gripping a packaging bag.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bag-insert is oriented in an operablerelationship with an evacuation chamber.

FIG. 5 illustrates the placement and removability of the bag-insert fromevacuation chamber, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum packaging appliance that includes a directbag-insert feature and configured for under-cabinet or under-counteruse, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a side cross sectional schematic illustrating some of thefeatures of a vacuum packaging appliance that includes a bag-insertmechanism, according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of some features of a lidlessvacuum packaging appliance with a bag-insert, according to certain otherembodiments.

FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of some features of a vacuumpackaging appliance with a bag-insert in a lidded configuration,according to certain embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lidded vacuum packaging appliancewith a bag-insert feature.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lidded vacuum packaging appliancewith a bag-insert feature, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to one aspect of certain embodiments, the vacuum packagingappliance is equipped with a bag-insert mechanism such that an open endof a packaging bag can be directly inserted either for evacuation and/orsealing the bag. According to one aspect, the bag-insert is disposed inthe evacuation chamber (also referred to herein as a vacuum chamber) ofthe packaging appliance. According to some embodiments, the bag-insertmechanism is removable from the evacuation chamber for ease in cleaning,repair and/or replacement. In other embodiments, the bag-insert is anintegral component of the evacuation chamber.

According to another aspect of some embodiments, the bag-insertmechanism includes two flap portions that are connected by a hingemechanism such that the flap portions can be rotatably disposed in anopen position to receive an open end of the packaging bag. Further, suchflap portions can be rotatably disposed in a closed position to hold theopen end of the bag in position during an evacuation procedure forevacuation of gases and/or for sealing.

Further, according to another aspect of certain embodiments, thebag-insert mechanism includes a gripping mechanism such as grippingposts for maintaining the open end of the packaging bag in positionwithin the evacuation chamber. The embodiments are not limited to anyparticular type of gripping mechanism and thus the type of grippingmechanisms may vary from implementation to implementation.

According to yet another aspect of certain embodiments, a receivingportion of the bag-insert mechanism is operably oriented in asubstantially vertical plane relative to the horizontal base of thevacuum packaging appliance. In certain other embodiments, the receivingportion of the bag-insert mechanism is operably oriented in asubstantially horizontal plane that is parallel to the horizontal baseof the vacuum packaging appliance.

According to another aspect of certain embodiments, the packagingappliance having a bag-insert may be in a lidless configuration.According to one aspect of a lidless configuration, inflatable bladdersin the packaging appliance are inflated to form a static seal forhermetically sealing the evacuation chamber during evacuation of gassesfrom the packaging bag. In other lidless configurations, inflatablebladders may be used as actuators to move mechanical sealing elements tohermetically seal the evacuation chamber. The embodiments are notlimited to any particular type of actuators, and thus the type ofactuators may vary from implementation to implementation.

In certain other embodiments, the packaging appliance with bag-insertmay be in a lidded configuration. According to yet another aspect ofcertain embodiments, the packaging appliance is configured as acounter-top appliance. However, in other embodiments, the packagingappliance may be configured as an under-the-counter (or under-cabinet)appliance.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bag-insert that can be adapted for usein a vacuum packaging device, according to certain embodiments.Bag-insert 100 includes an upper flap 102 a that is operably hinged to alower flap 102 b by a hinge mechanism 104. Upper flap 102 a includesgripping posts 106. Lower flap 102 b includes indentations 110 thatoperate with corresponding gripping posts 106 to maintain a grip on anopen end of a packaging bag when upper flap 102 a is disposed atop lowerflap 102 b as depicted in FIG. 3 herein. Further, bag-insert 100includes curved edges 108 such that bag-insert 100 may be easily removedfrom an evacuation chamber as described in greater detail with referenceto FIG. 5 herein.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a bag-insert 200 that is juxtaposed witha sample packaging bag 212, according to certain embodiments. FIG. 2shows an upper flap 202 a that is operably hinged to a lower flap 202 bby a hinge mechanism 204. FIG. 2 also demonstrates that when packagingbag 212 is inserted directly into the evacuation chamber, an open end214 of packaging bag 212 is automatically positioned in bag-insert 200such that open end 214 can be securely gripped between gripping post 206and corresponding indentations 210.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a bag insert 300 in a closed positionwith upper flap 302 a disposed atop lower flap 302 b for gripping apackaging bag 312. Hinge mechanism 304 makes it possible for upper flap302 a to be disposed atop lower flap 302 b easily.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view 400 of a bag-insert 401 that is oriented inan operable relationship with an evacuation chamber 420. Evacuationchamber 420 includes an orifice 425 defined by a perimeter 425 a. Toexplain the orientation of bag-insert 401, bag-insert 401 is orientedsuch that the receiving opening 403 formed by upper flap 402 b and lowerflap 402 b is outwardly facing through orifice 425 of evacuation chamber420. Evacuation chamber further includes an optional gasket 422.

FIG. 4 also demonstrates that packaging 412 can be securely held inposition, suitable for an evacuation procedure, using a grippingmechanism. In certain embodiments, the gripping mechanism includesgripping posts 406 and corresponding indentations 410. However, theembodiments are not limited to any particular type of grippingmechanisms. Thus, the type of gripping mechanism varies fromimplementation to implementation. For example, the indentations 410 maybe optional. Another non-limiting example of a suitable grippingmechanism are roughened edges along the length of either or both flapsof the bag-insert so that friction provided by the roughened edges wouldhold a packaging bag in position. Further, the bag-insert may beequipped with a magnet such that the upper flap is attracted into aclosed position atop the lower flap when the upper flap is in relativeclose proximity to the lower flap. The magnetic strength of such amagnet may be selected such that the bag-insert can maintain a suitablegrip on a packaging bag even when the packaging bag is loaded withcontent. The magnetic strength can vary from implementation toimplementation.

FIG. 5 illustrates the placement and removability of the bag-insert 501from evacuation chamber 520, according to certain embodiments. In orderto remove bag-insert 501 from evacuation chamber, one need only push onone edge of the bag-insert 501. FIG. 5 shows a user's thumb pushing onone end 505 a of the bag-insert 501. The user can push on either end(505 a or 505 b) of bag-insert 501 to achieve the same result ofextricating bag-insert 501 from evacuation chamber 520. Each end (505 aand 505 b) of bag-insert 501 is characterized by curved edges such ascurved edge 506. To explain, the edge of the upper flap 502 a and thelower flap 502 b are curved on either end. When a user pushes on acurved end such as end 505 a of bag-insert 501, the force that isexerted on the curved end 505 a causes a rotation of bag-insert 501about curved end 505 a against a back wall of evacuation chamber 520.Such a rotation causes the bag-insert to rotate out of the evacuationchamber.

FIG. 6 illustrates a vacuum packaging appliance 600 that includes adirect bag-insert feature and is configured for under-cabinet orunder-counter use, according to certain embodiments. Vacuum packagingappliance 600 may be configured either as a lidded appliance or alidless appliance. Lidless configurations are described in greaterdetail herein with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. Lidded configurationsare described in greater detail herein with reference to FIG. 9 and FIG.10.

Further, FIG. 6 shows that the vacuum packaging appliance 600 isconfigured for mounting under a cabinet 650 using a mounting mechanismsuch as mounting bracket 655. Vacuum packaging appliance 600 includes abag-insert 620, shown at an orifice or receiving slot 622 of anevacuation chamber for vacuum packaging appliance 600. The evacuationchamber orifice 622 is disposed on the frontal side 632 of vacuumpackaging appliance 600 for easy access. In operation, an open end of apackaging bag may be conveniently inserted in bag-insert mouth 624formed by upper flap 626 a and lower flap 626 b, and disposedtherebetween. Bag-insert 620 further includes a gripping mechanism 628for maintaining an open end of a packaging bag in position forevacuation and or sealing. One non-limiting example of a grippingmechanisms are gripping posts on one flap with or without correspondingindentation on the opposite flap and sized for suitable mating with thegripping posts. Another non-limiting example of a gripping mechanism forpositioning a packaging bag in the bag-insert is a roughened outer edgealong the length of the one or both flaps of the bag-insert. FIG. 6 alsoshows an access door 630 through which a drip tray (not shown) can beremoved for cleaning, according to certain embodiments. The drip trayfeature is optional. In some embodiments where the evacuation chamber isintegrated with a drip tray, the integrated evacuation chamber/drip traymay be removed for cleaning via access door 630.

FIG. 7 is a side cross sectional schematic illustrating some of thefeatures of a vacuum packaging appliance that includes a bag-insertmechanism, according to certain embodiments. In FIG. 7, vacuum packagingappliance 700 is configured as a lidless under-cabinet appliance.Lidless packaging appliance 700 is conveniently stationed under cabinet750 using support braces 755. Lidless packaging appliance 700 includes abag-insert 706 in an evacuation chamber 702, a slot 704 for accessingthe bag-insert, and optionally, a drip tray 718. FIG. 7 shows thatevacuation chamber 702, and bag-insert 706 are disposed in a manner toallow access via the frontal side 701 of the vacuum packaging appliance.FIG. 7 also shows a sealing mechanism for hermetically sealingevacuation chamber 702 when a vacuum is to be created in evacuationchamber 702. Such a sealing mechanism includes actuator bladders 708 aand 708 b connected to a vacuum motor 710, and shutter mechanisms 712 aand 712 b. Shutter mechanisms 712 a and 712 b are spring loaded bysprings 714 a and 714 b. Springs 714 a and 714 b keep the shuttermechanisms in a retracted position such that slot 704 remainsunobstructed and unsealed to allow access to bag-insert 706 andevacuation chamber 702. In order to hermetically seal evacuation chamber702, the actuator bladders 708 a, 708 b are inflated with the aid ofvacuum motor 710. Vacuum motor 710 intakes air from the evacuationchamber and exhausts the air into actuator bladders 708 a, 708 b. Asactuator bladders 708 a, 708 b inflate, they push against springs 714 a,714 b and cause shutter mechanisms 712 a and 712 b into an extendedposition. The shutter mechanisms 712 a and 712 b are extended until slot704 is completely sealed from the exterior of the appliance. Vacuummotor 710 continues to operate in order to completely evacuate theevacuation chamber. Appropriate bleeder mechanisms can be employed toexhaust excess air to the exterior once the actuator bladders are full.Shutter mechanisms 712 a and 712 b may optionally include gaskets and aheat sealing profile such a as heat sealing element 716.

FIG. 8 shows a side cross-sectional view of some features of a lidlessvacuum packaging appliance with a bag-insert, according to certain otherembodiments. In FIG. 8, lidless packaging appliance 800 is mounted undercabinet 850 using support mounts 855. Lidless packaging appliance 800includes a bag-insert 806 in an evacuation chamber 802 and optionally, adrip tray 818. The receiving portion of bag-insert 806 is disposed foraccess on the frontal side 801 of vacuum packaging appliance 800. Slot804 is hermetically sealed from the exterior of the appliance byballoons 808 and 809. Balloons can be inflated using vacuum pump 801into an inflated position as shown by ghost outlines 808 a and 809 a.One of the balloons may include a heat sealing profile such as heatsealing element 816.

FIG. 9 shows a side cross-sectional view of some features of a vacuumpackaging appliance with a bag-insert in a lidded configuration,according to certain embodiments. To save counter-space, liddedpackaging appliance 900 can be mounted under cabinet 950 using supportbraces 955. Lidded packaging appliance 900 includes a lid 920, abag-insert 906 in an evacuation chamber 902, a vacuum motor 910, andoptionally, a drip tray 918. Evacuation chamber 902 can be hermeticallysealed from the exterior by moving lid 920 into a closed position asshown by ghost outline 924. Optionally, lid 920 can slid into aconvenient position atop the appliance as shown by ghost outline 922. Bysliding lid 920 to rest on the top surface of the appliance, a user ofthe appliance is offered an unobstructed view of the frontal portion ofbag-insert 906 so as to allow the user to maneuver a packaging bag intobag-insert 906.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a lidded vacuum packaging appliancewith a bag-insert feature. Lidded appliance 1000 shows a lid 1020, abag-insert 1006 in an evacuation chamber 1006. Slot 1004 of evacuationchamber may optionally include gasket 1008 for effecting a better staticseal. Lid 1020 may optionally include a suitable gasket (not shown) toeffect a better hermetic seal when lid 920 is in the closed position.Further, lid 1020 may optionally include a latching mechanism (notshown) to secure the lid in a closed position.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a lidded vacuum packaging appliancewith a bag-insert feature, according to certain embodiments. In FIG. 11,evacuation chamber 1102 and bag-insert 1106 are disposed for accessabove the top horizontal surface 1116 of vacuum packaging appliance1100. The receiving slot 1104 of evacuation chamber 1102 is in a planethat is parallel to a frontal side 1115 of vacuum packaging appliance1100, according to certain embodiments. According to certain otherembodiments, the receiving slot of the evacuation chamber is in a planethat is parallel to top horizontal surface 1116 of vacuum packagingappliance 1100. Evacuation chamber 1102 can be hermetically sealed fromthe exterior by lid 1120. Lid 1120 can include a suitable gasket and orlatch.

In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention have beendescribed with reference to numerous specific details that may vary fromimplementation to implementation. It will be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from thebroader spirit and scope of the invention. The specification anddrawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather thana restrictive sense.

1. A vacuum packaging appliance, the vacuum packaging appliancecomprising: a bag-insert mechanism disposed in an evacuation chamber inan operable relationship to a receiving slot of said evacuation chamber;and wherein said bag-insert mechanism is operably oriented for receivingand engaging an open end of a packaging bag.
 2. The vacuum packagingappliance of claim 1, wherein said receiving slot of said evacuationchamber is oriented such that a plane formed by a perimeter of saidreceiving slot is substantially vertical relative to a substantiallyhorizontal base of said vacuum packaging appliance.
 3. The vacuumpackaging appliance of claim 2, wherein said receiving slot is locatedon a frontal face of said vacuum packaging appliance.
 4. The vacuumpackaging appliance of claim 1, wherein said receiving slot of saidevacuation chamber is oriented such that a plane formed by a perimeterof said receiving slot is substantially parallel to a substantiallyhorizontal base of said vacuum packaging appliance.
 5. The vacuumpackaging appliance of claim 1, further comprises a lid when said vacuumpackaging appliance is used in a lidded configuration, wherein said lidis adapted to statically seal said evacuation chamber when said lid ismoved to a closed position.
 6. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim1, further comprises inflatable bladders for vacuum sealing saidevacuation chamber when said vacuum packaging appliance is used in alidless configuration.
 7. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 6,wherein said inflatable bladders form an air-tight static seal of saidevacuation chamber when said inflatable bladders are sufficientlyinflated before evacuation of said packaging bag.
 8. The vacuumpackaging appliance of claim 6, wherein said inflatable bladders areinflated for moving mechanical static seal components into a sealedposition for forming an air-tight static seal of said evacuationchamber.
 10. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, furthercomprises a heat sealing element for heat sealing said packaging bag.11. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, wherein said bag-insertmechanism includes a plurality of gripping posts for releasably engagingsaid packaging bag to maintain said open end of said packaging bag incommunication with a drip tray in said evacuation chamber.
 12. Thevacuum packaging appliance of claim 11, wherein said bag-insertmechanism includes receiving indentations corresponding to saidplurality of gripping posts for releasably engaging said packaging bagto maintain said open end of said packaging bag in communication withsaid drip tray in said evacuation chamber.
 13. The vacuum packagingappliance of claim 1, wherein said bag-insert mechanism includes twoflap portions connected by a hinge mechanism, wherein said flap portionsare rotatably movable about said hinge mechanism between an open and aclosed position.
 14. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, whereinsaid bag-insert mechanism is removable from said evacuation chamber. 15.The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, wherein said bag-insertmechanism includes curved edges for easy removal from said evacuationchamber.
 16. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, wherein saidbag-insert mechanism is integrated with said evacuation chamber.
 17. Thevacuum packaging appliance of claim 1, wherein said bag-insert mechanismis integrated with a removable drip tray associated with said evacuationchamber.
 18. A vacuum packaging appliance, the vacuum packagingappliance comprising: a means for forming an evacuation chamber with anopening oriented in a substantially vertical plane relative to asubstantially horizontal base of said vacuum packaging appliance; and ameans for receiving and engaging an open end of a packaging bag whereinsaid means for receiving and engaging being disposed in said evacuationchamber and being operably oriented in said opening.
 19. The vacuumpackaging appliance of claim 18, further comprising a means forhermetically sealing said evacuation chamber.
 20. The vacuum packagingappliance of claim 18, wherein said means for receiving and engaging isremovable from said evacuation chamber.
 21. The vacuum packagingappliance of claim 18, wherein said means for receiving and engaging isintegrated with said evacuation chamber.
 22. The vacuum packagingappliance of claim 18, wherein said means for receiving and engaging isintegrated with a removable drip tray.
 23. An apparatus for vacuumsealing a packaging bag, said apparatus comprising a vacuum chamber forevacuating gases from said packaging bag and said vacuum chamber havingan orifice suitably oriented for allowing one end of said packaging bagto be inserted directly into said orifice when said packaging bag isoriented in a substantially horizontal position relative to saidapparatus and wherein said orifice includes a holding mechanism that isadjustable for alternately securing and releasing said one end of saidpackaging bag.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said holdingmechanism includes gripping posts for said alternately securing andreleasing said one end of said packaging bag.
 25. The apparatus of claim23, wherein said holding mechanism includes two flap portions that areflexibly connected to allow said flap portions to rotatably move betweenan open and a closed position.
 26. A method of packaging using a vacuumpackaging appliance, the method comprising: using a bag-insert mechanisminto which an open end of a packaging bag is directly inserted whensealing said packaging bag is desired, wherein said bag-insert mechanismis in operable relationship to an opening of an evacuation chamber ofsaid vacuum packaging appliance.
 27. The method of claim 26, furthercomprises using said vacuum packaging appliance in a liddedconfiguration by including a lid in said vacuum packaging appliance andwherein said lid is adapted to statically seal said evacuation chamberwhen said lid is moved to a closed position.
 28. The method of claim 26,further comprises using inflatable bladders for vacuum sealing saidevacuation chamber when said vacuum packaging appliance is used in alidless configuration.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein saidinflatable bladders form an air-tight static seal of said evacuationchamber when said inflatable bladders are sufficiently inflated beforeevacuation of said packaging bag.
 30. The method of claim 28, whereinsaid inflatable bladders are inflated for moving mechanical static sealcomponents into a sealed position for forming an air-tight static sealof said evacuation chamber.
 31. The method of claim 26, furthercomprises using a heat sealing element for heat sealing said packagingbag.
 32. The method of claim 26, wherein said bag-insert mechanismincludes gripping posts for releasably engaging said packaging bag tomaintain said open end of said packaging bag in communication with adrip tray in said evacuation chamber.
 33. The method of claim 26,wherein said bag-insert mechanism includes two flap portions connectedby a hinge mechanism, wherein said flap portions are rotatably movablebetween an open and a closed position about said hinge mechanism. 34.The method of claim 26, wherein said bag-insert mechanism is removablefrom said evacuation chamber.
 35. The method of claim 26, wherein saidbag-insert mechanism is integrated with said evacuation chamber.
 36. Themethod of claim 26, wherein said bag-insert mechanism is integrated witha removable drip tray associated with said evacuation chamber.
 37. Themethod of claim 26, wherein a receiving portion of said bag-insertmechanism is oriented such that a plane that is substantially parallelto said receiving portion is substantially vertical relative to asubstantially horizontal base of said vacuum packaging appliance. 38.The method of claim 26, wherein a receiving portion of said bag-insertmechanism is oriented such that a plane that is substantially parallelto said receiving portion is substantially parallel to a substantiallyhorizontal base of said vacuum packaging appliance.
 39. A vacuumpackaging appliance, the vacuum packaging appliance comprising: abag-insert mechanism disposed in an evacuation chamber in an operablerelationship to a receiving slot of said evacuation chamber; inflatablebladders for sealing said evacuation chamber; and wherein saidbag-insert mechanism is operably oriented for receiving and engaging anopen end of a packaging bag.
 40. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim39, wherein said inflatable bladders form an air-tight static seal ofsaid evacuation chamber when said inflatable bladders are sufficientlyinflated before evacuation of said packaging bag.
 41. The vacuumpackaging appliance of claim 39, wherein said inflatable bladders areinflated for moving mechanical static seal components into a sealedposition for forming an air-tight static seal of said evacuationchamber.
 42. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, furthercomprises a heat sealing element for heat sealing said packaging bag.43. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, wherein said bag-insertmechanism includes a plurality of gripping posts for releasably engagingsaid packaging bag to maintain said open end of said packaging bag incommunication with a drip tray in said evacuation chamber.
 44. Thevacuum packaging appliance of claim 43, wherein said bag-insertmechanism includes receiving indentations corresponding to saidplurality of gripping posts for releasably engaging said packaging bagto maintain said open end of said packaging bag in communication withsaid drip tray in said evacuation chamber.
 45. The vacuum packagingappliance of claim 39, wherein said bag-insert mechanism includes twoflap portions connected by a hinge mechanism, wherein said flap portionsare rotatably movable about said hinge mechanism between an open and aclosed position.
 46. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, whereinsaid bag-insert mechanism is removable from said evacuation chamber. 47.The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, wherein said bag-insertmechanism includes curved edges for easy removal from said evacuationchamber.
 48. The vacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, wherein saidbag-insert mechanism is integrated with said evacuation chamber.
 49. Thevacuum packaging appliance of claim 39, wherein said bag-insertmechanism is integrated with a removable drip tray associated with saidevacuation chamber.